After Dale Beatty lost his legs in the Iraq War, his community thanked him for his service by helping him build a home. To pay it forward, Beatty co-founded Purple Heart Homes. Since 2008, the nonprofit has modified or helped provide homes for dozens of disabled U.S. veterans.

One of this year’s Top 10 Heroes will become the ‘CNN Hero of the Year’ and awarded $250,000 to continue their work.